We had the good fortune of connecting with Fabienne Roc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fabienne, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

A lot of people say to creators that: “imitation is flattery” and I absolutely hate this saying.

The creative process is a personal and intimate one. I think there is a fine line between inspiration versus imitation. Creatives put a lot of blood sweat and tears into their work, and when people plagiarize, imitate or just straight up copy it’s extremely frustrating! I don’t think normalizing that as flattery is OK.

What I will say is credit your inspiration. Credit and uplift those who spark your ideas and gifts, your reasons why. I think offering more love to each other in the community, and even more collaboration will alleviate some of that natural competition people feel in this industry. There’s enough for everybody doing the work to eat. We don’t need to tear our peers down to shine. Everyone has a unique point of view and there’s someone out there that needs to hear your story.


Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Just recently I joined Blavity as their Director of Originals, and I’m extremely excited!! I was previously at BET as a Sr. Writer/Producer, and before that I had a very varied work history – definitely not the text book journey!

After college my first job was in HR, then I went into event management, event production, made a stop in marketing for Essence Magazine, and pretty much went back and forth between event marketing in various industries like fashion, lifestyle, music, and finally back to publishing/entertainment. I also launched a day party series in NYC and started DJing as well. I’ve always been interested in so many things and I learned so much by actually exploring everything. Finally I landed in production, and got to work on the development and pilot episode of “Wu-Tang An American Saga” alongside Chris Robinson, and that’s really what further solidified my love for storytelling… especially Black stories.

I wouldn’t say my journey was easy but I will say I’m extremely blessed for my network, people who believed in me and saw talent in me even when I didn’t see it in myself. I’ve also realized I’m a master manifester and now embrace it as one of my superpowers!


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Aw man. I have really grown to love Dallas and I’m almost scared to share my “spots” cause I need them to be kept sacred! haha! JK, Here’s my list: Sunday night I’m going to see The Grits @ The Freeman.

Monday we’re going to Parliment for happy hour all day.

Tuesday we’ll hit Union Beer for a beer and a bite and sit in the back patio, and maybe even happy hour at the Virgin Hotel.

Wednesday, I’m definitely going to Casa Del Vegano, then a drink at the speakeasy across the street at Xaman Cafe, then finally to Whiskeys for the best Old Fashion you’ve ever had, in your life!

Thursday, dinner at Elephant East, which you need a reservation for. Friday afternoon swing by Bam’s Vegan for a to-go lunch in Irving (check his IG for the weekly menu).

Saturday morning I’m going on a hike at Cedar Ridge, or a yoga class at Jungle or Black Swan. Definitely going by the Farmer’s Market to shop local! For dinner or a drink going to Ebb and Flow or The Island Spot in Carrolton. IF I need late night food, Serious Pizza or Velvet Taco.

Sunday Funday starts at STIRR rooftop or Clutch for a cute turn up, typically.


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Black creatives who are out there unapologetically pushing the pavement and in their creative bags are really my heroes. I’m inspired by my peers daily, and there’s so many to name that I won’t even cause I’d hate to leave anyone out. But anyone really taking the risk — because anytime you put yourself or your work out there, it’s a risk! — and giving yourself to the world with good intention, is a honorable thing.

Website: fabrocpresents.com, beyourownmuse.co

Instagram: fab_roc_

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/fabienneroc

Twitter: fab_roc_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.